Abstract
Plant cells are separated by cellulose cell walls that impede direct cell-to-cell contact. In order to facilitate intercellular communication, plant cells develop unique cell-wall-spanning structures termed plasmodesmata (PD). PD are membranous channels that link the cytoplasm, plasma membranes, and endoplasmic reticulum of adjacent cells to provide cytoplasmic and membrane continuity for molecular trafficking. PD play important roles for the development and physiology of all plants. The structure and function of PD in the plant cell walls are highly dynamic and tightly regulated. Despite their importance, plasmodesmata are among the few plant cell organelles that remain poorly understood. The molecular properties of PD seem largely elusive or speculative. In this review, we firstly describe the general PD structure and its protein composition. We then discuss the recent progress in identification and characterization of PD-associated plant cell-wall proteins that regulate PD function, with particular emphasis on callose metabolizing and binding proteins, and protein kinases targeted to and around PD.
Highlights
Plasmodesmata (PD) span the plant cell walls and connect protoplasts of adjacent cells [1,2]
PD-mediated symplasmic transport is involved in a variety of plant physiological processes that are pivotal for the development of plants of economic interest, such as shoot apex dormancy, flowering, fruit ripening, fiber elongation, and plant–microbe symbiosis [21]
Β-1,3-glucanase, and PD-associated callose binding protein are involved in the regulation of callose homeostasis in PD, which in turn affects the permeability of PD channels [29,30]
Summary
Plasmodesmata (PD) span the plant cell walls and connect protoplasts of adjacent cells [1,2]. Genetic and biochemical approaches applied to dissect PD-associated functional components led to the discovery of callose binding proteins and receptor-like kinase proteins in the model plants [20]. They regulate the permeability of PD and control intercellular substance transport and signal communication. It is generally believed that callose deposited at the PD neck region plays a regulatory role in the neck switch [22] This is the most well-known mechanism for regulating PD permeability [23]. Β-1,3-glucanase, and PD-associated callose binding protein are involved in the regulation of callose homeostasis in PD, which in turn affects the permeability of PD channels [29,30]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
